Amman, Sept. 16 (Petra) — Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal, Honorary President of Save the Children – Jordan, on Monday sponsored a ceremony celebrating the organization’s 50th anniversary, held under the slogan “Fifty Years for the Children of Jordan and We Continue.”

Princess Basma said the milestone reaffirms the organization’s longstanding commitment to building a brighter future for Jordan’s children. She recalled the establishment of the Jordanian Child Care Association in 1974 in Ma’an villages, the foundation from which Save the Children – Jordan emerged, providing care and support for children in need.

The event, attended by Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa and Maha Ali, Secretary-General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women, highlighted five decades of outreach to refugee camps, remote villages, and vulnerable communities. Today, the organization serves about 150,000 children and families annually, offering humanitarian assistance, sustainable development programs, and empowerment initiatives that enable children to advocate for their rights.

Princess Basma also stressed the alignment of Save the Children – Jordan with the global organization’s 2030 goals, which include ending preventable child deaths, ensuring access to quality education for every child, and eliminating violence against children. She warned of the mounting challenges faced by children worldwide due to conflict, trafficking, and climate change, drawing particular attention to the plight of children in Gaza.

Chairman Omar Shuqom said Save the Children – Jordan is now the only branch of the international organization in the region and a leading national reference in child protection. He announced the launch of the 2025–2027 strategy, focused on sustainability, community empowerment, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Executive Director Dana Uraiqat reaffirmed the organization’s mission to protect and empower children, noting that young people are not only beneficiaries but active partners in shaping initiatives that reflect their aspirations.

The ceremony featured a documentary on the institution’s 50-year journey, children’s artistic performances, and an exhibition of drawings and photographs reflecting their voices and creativity. Representatives of ministries, partner organizations, embassies, and the private sector attended the event.

//Petra// RZ
16/09/2025 12:34:46